Healthy summer food pairings

Eating healthy all the time is for most people difficult, if not impossible. There are going to be times when fast food or something greasy will have to suffice. Fortunately there are food pairings that minimize some of the harmful damages that result from eating unhealthy foods.

Hot Dog and Sauerkraut
Hot Dogs are pumped with preservatives and nitrates, which research shows can trigger cancer. Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage, and contains substances called isothiocyanates that fight the occurrence of tumors. Author Anne Louise Gittleman in her book The Gut Flush Plan: The Breakthrough Cleansing Program notes that there is a lower incidence of breast cancer among women with large amounts of sauerkraut in their diet than those who do not eat it. So the next time you order a hot dog consider using sauerkraut as a topping.

Image source: The Times of India

Red Meat and Red Wine
Most people have heard that red wine is full of antioxidants that help your body rid itself of free radicals and toxins, some of which increase the risk of heart disease. Red meat, while a great source of iron, is typically full of saturated fat. By pairing the two you can benefit both your heart and your taste buds. Alcohol though can be high in calories so 7 ounces is enough to pair with a nice steak.

Salty Snacks and Dark Chocolate
Going to the movies anytime soon? Consider eating a little chocolate to go with your popcorn or chips. Chocolate, rich in antioxidant compounds, can lower your blood pressure in as soon as two hours. These antioxidants help the lining of blood vessels to expand and contract more efficiently, thus stabilizing the blood flow. High sodium levels in salty foods can contribute to high blood pressure. Thus by pairing chocolate and these salty foods you can lower your blood pressure, but the chocolate must be at least 60% cocoa.

Grilled Food and Coleslaw
Summer is here and it’s time to grill! While grilling is better than frying, this process of cooking food increases ones’ risk of cancer. Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable which according to research can help protect the body from cancer through phytochemicals that detoxify carcinogens, and also by reducing oxidative stress from free radicals. The Journal of the American Dietetic Association conducted a research review that revealed some 70% of their published studies linked cruciferous vegetables to protection from cancer. While coleslaw pairs very well with grilled foods vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and bok choy will also do.